SAR aircraft technicians say employer not willing to make contract offers, heading to arbitration

The union that represents maintenance workers responsible for repairs onSearch and Rescue helicopters in Gander believes their employerisn'tattempting to negotiate their contract.

• SAR aircraft maintainers protest for contract

"We haven't been able to come to any meaningful agreement on outstanding language, and they certainly haven't even broached the subject of wages and things with us," saidlocal union presidentMartinCoady.

"There doesn't seem to be a meaningful process of negotiation taking place."

There's 35 members of theUnion of National Defence Employees (UNDE) Local 90120 currently working without a contract for IMP Aerospace and Defence, the company that holds a government contract to repair Search and Rescue Cormorants.

They are nowheaded for anarbitration hearing.

Coady said the technicians have been working without a contract for 22 months and, because their work is deemed an essential service, they are unable to strike.

"Right now it's not a very happy environment," said Coady.

"People are disappointed and upset with the fact that we have an employer that's not showing us the respect you'd like to see."

Arbitration Hearing

Coady said some of the key priorities for union members areadditional sick leave, fair wages and a fair spread ofhours.

Negotiations between the union and company broke down last week in Halifax.

It will now be sent to a federal mediator who will meet with the union and the company, and make a ruling for settlements.

"Basically we haven't seen any real, meaningful effort from the company to try and resolve any issues with us," said Coady.

"They're not willing to make any offers."

CBC sent an emailto IMP Aerospace and Defenseand is waiting on a response.